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As a leader, where do you turn for wisdom? Do you turn to Google, or do you ask God for wisdom?
You might wonder why one would ask God for wisdom, when Google suggests it can provide all the information a leader needs. I would suggest there is a huge difference between information and wisdom. Information can inform you on the mechanics of leading. What wisdom provides is the insight into the bigger picture about the people you lead and how the work you are leading relates to God’s kingdom.
Consider the following examples.
God promises that he will generously give you wisdom if you ask. God’s wisdom is not just reserved for complicated situations. God graciously offers you wisdom for every situation. When the disciples needed people to take care of the routine tasks of the new church they looked for individuals who were filled with wisdom (Acts 6:1-3).
When studying the life of Solomon one sees that wisdom starts with worship and requires humility, trust and curiosity.
Acquiring wisdom starts with worship
When Solomon’s new career started as King of Israel, Solomon didn’t launch his career by seeking information on what a king was supposed to do or by pursuing all the status symbols of his new role. You didn’t find Solomon at the chariot dealership seeking out the latest sporty chariot or with his realtor seeking out a vacation property.
Instead, Solomon led his people publicly in worship. He praises God for having placed him in his new position.
When was the last time you publicly praised God for placing you in your role as a biblical leader?
Wisdom requires humility
Solomon was the same humble person in public and in private.
Privately, between only Solomon and God, Solomon humbly thanks God for appointing him as ruler. Solomon acknowledges that the people he leads are God’s people (even though he knew that not all of them had placed their faith in God).
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13).
Wisdom requires trust
Having acknowledged publicly and privately that God had appointed him and prepared him to be King, Solomon demonstrates his trust in God by asking God for wisdom. At this time in his life, Solomon’s heart’s desire is to behave in a manner worthy of a child of God. God granted Solomon’s request for wisdom.
We read in Proverbs that Solomon discovered that wisdom wasn’t far away, but was standing in the street corners. Solomon learned that all he had to do when faced with a choice was to humbly trust and obey what wisdom was saying.
Today, we would say that wisdom is calling out in the lobby of every office building, store, restaurant and transit stop. Like Solomon, we as leaders need Jesus to touch our ears so that we can hear what wisdom is saying. Then we need to trust that what wisdom is saying to us will bring joy and peace in our lives and in the lives of those we lead.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do” (James 1:5-7).
Wisdom requires curiosity.
Pursuing wisdom also requires a spirit of childlike curiosity. Curiosity looks beyond the information that a leader needs to the interconnections and relationships underlying the work you are leading.
When two women came to Solomon accusing each other of having stolen their baby, it is Solomon’s curiosity which looked behind their accusations to understand their hearts. Understanding their hearts enabled Solomon to make a wise decision. It is Solomon’s curiosity into understanding the way things are built that enables him to lead the building of a magnificent temple. One can read more about Solomon’s curiosity in the book of Ecclesiastes.
This is the world that God created. While we can glean a lot of information about the functioning of our world, only God fully understands every aspect of this world and all the interdependencies that allow us not only to survive, but thrive on this planet. As the Creator, God understands the principles behind every system better than any person ever will.
Wouldn’t it make sense to seek wisdom from the Creator himself to understand how each system, process, and person that you lead can best glorify God?
Wisdom is not just for us.
When with humility, trust and curiosity you seek wisdom, your life becomes a rich blessing to those you lead.
After the Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon, she included these comments in her report: “How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!” (2 Chronicles 9:7). When you perform your job with wisdom, most of the people around you will be happy, for you will be radiating God’s grace, peace and love.
Your wisdom even brings a blessing to leaders around you who are jealous of you. Jealousy is their choice, for God is freely willing to offer them wisdom if they choose to put their trust in the saving work of his Son, Jesus.
Wisdom brings glory to God.
When with humility, trust and curiosity you seek wisdom, not only are you a rich blessing to those you lead, your life glorifies God.
The Queen of Sheba continued in her report: “Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the Lord your God” (2 Chronicles 9:8).
As a leader, will you in humility, in trust and with childlike curiosity:
Photo source: istock
 | James Bruyn is a bi-vocational visionary leader, writer and speaker who enjoys helping individuals integrate their faith in God with their daily life. He leads a ministry to Christians in the marketplace in Calgary, provides leadership coaching, and consults for the rail industry. He writes a weekly devotional and also has a devotional book, 31 Days with God at Work (Marketplace 2018). Learn More » |
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